Eat, spit, and be merry at Loon Mountain family fest

LINCOLN, N.H. -- Labor Day weekend here marks summer's last fling. Help the kids make the most of it with games, contests, and more at the Family Fun Fest at Loon Mountain.

Bring the family together next Saturday afternoon for the three-legged race. Work up an appetite? Then enter the corn-on-the-cob-eating contest. Follow that up with the watermelon-seed-spitting competition. The four-piece bluegrass band Hot Day at the Zoo blends rock, jazz, and folk on an outdoor patio.

Sunday's activities are a bit more athletic. Gauge your aim and distance during the Frisbee throw. Stay alert for Simon Says. Twist, shake, and shout for some old school hula hoop play. The Dave Keller Band will keep up the funk, soul, and blues. Both days feature barbecues, make-your-own root beer floats, and chances galore to create a tie-dyed shirt, toss water balloons, and try some crafts.

Take the easy way to the ski area summit in a gondola and do a little mountaintop exploration. Kids might find some moose prints, but everyone will happen upon White Mountain vistas as summer hints at fading into autumn.

Family Fun Fest at Loon Mountain, Loon Mountain ski area, 60 Loon Mountain Road, Lincoln, N.H. Sept. 1-2. 603-745-8111, 800-229-5666 (LOON). loonmtn.com. Admission is free, but there are costs associated with the barbecue, arts and crafts, gondola ride, etc. Directions: Loon Mountain is about 130 miles or more than two hours from Boston. Take Interstate 93 into New Hampshire to exit 32. Turn left and travel about 2 1/2 miles on Route 112. The ski area is on the right. MARTY BASCH